Allergies are your immune system’s reaction to something in your environment, such as pollen or pet dander. This overreaction can lead to symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The best way to manage allergies is with allergy testing as a trained specialist will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your allergy. Still wondering if it’s right for you?
Here are just a few reasons why you should consider allergy testing:
You Have Food Allergies
You’re Experiencing an Abnormal Skin Condition
You’re Allergic to Common Airborne Allergens
Interested in allergy testing? Contact OAT today to learn more about our services and request an appointment.
You Have Food Allergies
If you've ever had an allergic reaction to food, you know it can be scary. The effects of a food allergy can range from minor itching and redness to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Some people with food allergies experience skin symptoms such as hives or rash, itching, or swelling in the face. Respiratory symptoms include tightening of the airway, wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath. Your digestive system may also be affected, resulting in nausea or abdominal pain, and more. To test what you’re allergic to, your specialist will do a blood test to measure your immune system’s response to specific foods by measuring immunoglobulin E, the allergy-related antibody.
You’re Experience an Abnormal Skin Condition
Contact dermatitis is one of the most common types of allergies, and it usually affects the skin. Common contact allergens include latex, poison ivy, fragrances, or metals such as nickel. If you have contact dermatitis, you may experience itching and a rash that becomes swollen and forms hives. Your skin may also develop blisters with a burning sensation.
With skin testing, your provider uses a thin needle to prick the skin on your forearm or back with 10 to 50 different potential allergens. Or your provider may place droplets of potential allergens onto your skin and use a device to scratch and lightly puncture the area, causing the liquid to enter your skin. Reactions such as redness typically occur within 15 minutes of exposure. This test checks for airborne allergies, food allergies, and penicillin allergies.
You’re Allergic to Common Airborne Allergens
Did you know that allergens in the air are barely visible to the naked eye? Dust, pollen, and pet dander are some of the most common air allergens that cause allergic rhinitis or hay fever. This type of allergy may have symptoms similar to a cold: headaches, itchy or watery eyes, nasal congestion and a runny nose. Wheezing or shortness of breath, cough, and sore throat are also among its symptoms. With allergy testing, a specialist will be able to accurately pinpoint exactly what you’re allergic to and find solutions.
Schedule Your Allergy Test with OAT
Middle Tennessee is home to hundreds of potential airborne allergens and seasonal allergies are increasingly common. Our team of highly specialized allergists can successfully identify and treat your seasonal and airborne allergies. Once we’ve identified the offending allergens, we’ll design a custom program of treatment that may include OTC medications and lifestyle adjustments, prescription medications, environmental controls, or immunotherapy allergy treatments.
